Layer half the cooked pasta in the baking dish Recipe

This Million Dollar Baked Ziti is the ultimate pasta casserole—a bubbling, cheesy, and savory classic that promises comfort in every bite. Rich layers of creamy ricotta and sour cream are nestled between perfectly cooked ziti and a hearty meat sauce, all baked together under a blanket of golden, gooey mozzarella and Parmesan. The secret to this irresistible dish lies in how you layer half the cooked pasta in the baking dish, building dreamy textures and flavors that meld together in the oven. If you’re craving something that feels special yet comes together with ease, this ziti recipe is about to become your new go-to for family feasts and cozy nights in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a star role, bringing something unique to the table—whether it’s savory depth, creamy richness, or that mouthwatering cheese pull. These essentials are simple but carefully chosen, working together to create a baked masterpiece you’ll crave again and again.

• Ziti pasta: Its sturdy tubes hold onto sauce and cheese beautifully, giving each bite a perfect mix of everything.
• Ground beef: Provides a savory, hearty foundation that anchors each layer.
• Marinara sauce: Adds tangy brightness and balances the richness of the other ingredients.
• Ricotta cheese: Brings a creamy, mild layer that pairs perfectly with the pasta.
• Sour cream: Gives surprising tang and silkiness to the cheese filling.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: For that irresistible melty layer both inside and on top—don’t skimp!
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a savory, salty kick and boosts the flavor of the crust.
• Garlic, minced: Adds subtle aromatic depth that perfumes the whole dish.
• Olive oil: Helps sauté the garlic and adds richness to the meat sauce.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer so the flavors really pop.
• Fresh basil (optional): For a fresh, fragrant finish that livens up the final dish.

How to Make Layer half the cooked pasta in the baking dish

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so everything will be perfectly hot and ready to go. Grab your trusty 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a good coating of cooking spray or olive oil. This step ensures all those glorious cheesy edges will release easily after baking, so don’t skip it!

Step 2: Cook the Ziti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the ziti pasta just until al dente—this means the noodles still have a touch of bite, which helps them hold up through baking. Drain the pasta and set it aside; you’ll use this to layer half the cooked pasta in the baking dish soon!

Step 3: Whip Up the Savory Meat Sauce

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic for just 1 to 2 minutes until it’s fragrant but not browned. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until it’s no longer pink. Drain away any excess fat for a lighter sauce, then pour in the marinara. Let it all simmer together for 5 minutes, seasoning to taste with salt and pepper. This sauce is about to become the soul of your baked ziti!

Step 4: Mix Your Dreamy Cheese Layer

In a medium bowl, stir together ricotta cheese, sour cream, and half of your mozzarella. This creamy, cheesy blend will create luscious pockets throughout the baked pasta—you’ll really taste the difference in every bite.

Step 5: Assemble with the Key Method—Layer half the cooked pasta in the baking dish

Now for the fun part! Layer half the cooked pasta in the baking dish, spreading it evenly along the bottom. Spoon the cheese mixture generously over this layer so every scoop is wonderfully rich. Add the rest of the pasta on top. Next, pour your sizzling meat sauce over everything. Finish with a generous topping: the remaining mozzarella and all the Parmesan. You’ve just built a Million Dollar Baked Ziti that’s ready for oven magic.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Tent aluminum foil loosely over the baking dish and pop it in the oven for 20 minutes, letting everything meld. Afterward, remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese on top is irresistibly melted and starting to turn golden brown. Your kitchen will smell like pure Italian comfort!

How to Serve Layer half the cooked pasta in the baking dish

Garnishes

Once you pull the dish from the oven, sprinkle it with torn fresh basil for a pop of color and herby freshness. A few extra flecks of Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil make it look (and taste) restaurant-worthy every time you layer half the cooked pasta in the baking dish.

Side Dishes

This hearty ziti is a showstopper on its own, but it loves company! Pair it with a crisp Caesar or green salad to balance the richness, and add some garlicky bread to soak up every ounce of sauce. Whenever you layer half the cooked pasta in the baking dish, you set the stage for a truly satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling playful? Serve Million Dollar Baked Ziti in mini cast-iron skillets or ramekins for individual portions. Or, bake half-batches in smaller dishes to enjoy on different nights. However you layer half the cooked pasta in the baking dish, you can easily adjust the look and size for any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), cover the cooled baking dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The magic of layering half the cooked pasta in the baking dish is that it holds up beautifully for next-day enjoyment.

Freezing

Want to plan ahead? Million Dollar Baked Ziti freezes wonderfully. Assemble up until baking, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual. The method where you layer half the cooked pasta in the baking dish ensures every serving comes out just right, even after freezing.

Reheating

To reheat, place slices or the whole dish (covered) in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbling, about 25-30 minutes. For single servings, microwave until heated through. Because you layer half the cooked pasta in the baking dish, the texture stays satisfying and the flavors meld perfectly when reheated.

FAQs

Can I substitute a different pasta for ziti?

Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or even rotini work beautifully—just be sure to cook them al dente and layer half the cooked pasta in the baking dish for the same stunning result.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply skip the beef and bulk up the sauce with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. The layering method where you layer half the cooked pasta in the baking dish works perfectly with any filling.

Can I make Million Dollar Baked Ziti ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the casserole in advance, cover, and refrigerate up to a day ahead. When ready to bake, let it sit on the counter for 20-30 minutes while the oven preheats. That way, you can enjoy the ease and flavor of layering half the cooked pasta in the baking dish even on a busy night.

How do I prevent the cheese from sticking to the foil?

Lightly spray the underside of your foil with nonstick spray before covering the dish for baking. This keeps the bubbly cheese on top looking picture-perfect whenever you layer half the cooked pasta in the baking dish.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Cottage cheese is a fine substitute for ricotta if you prefer a slightly lighter, tangier filling. Just drain it well before mixing, and use it as you would when you layer half the cooked pasta in the baking dish for the ultimate creamy bite.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for the kind of crowd-pleasing comfort food that disappears in record time, you have to try this Million Dollar Baked Ziti. With every mouthful, that thoughtful process where you layer half the cooked pasta in the baking dish makes all the difference—guaranteeing layers of flavor, cheesy goodness, and pure satisfaction. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to fall in love with this Italian-American casserole classic!

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